CAAP) contributed to tourism and travel? While they are both regulatory government agencies, they also play a role in promoting tourism. Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issues franchises to services such as buses, taxi, jeepneys, and (lately) transport network vehicle service (TNVS) companies; the agency helps transport operators earn a worthwhile living.
These government offices should be “pleasant and accommodating” partners in the industry. The PPA should make sea travel convenient and ensure taxi and TNVS is available for passengers, and not giving advantages to favored transport sectors that pay the government for such privilege – nothing should be under too much control of influential individuals or groups.
In the same way, the CAAP should understand what airline passengers experience, with families waiting for their arrival or saying goodbye at airport terminals. With passengers paying an airport terminal fee, that funding should go to vehicle parking costs, improved air conditioning units, and cleaning the dirty toilets. In addition, all types of public transport have the right and privilege to enter airport terminals, not just favored transport groups.
Where are the local government officials that are supposed to be working hand-in-hand with these government agencies?
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Traveling around the country, one will visit various seaports, airports, along with bus and jeepney terminals.
I was previously tasked by the owners of OceanJet to determine how to begin operating along the Bacolod-Iloilo route. I was invited to Iloilo to present a marketing strategy and proposed offering free return trips, this shocked the owner. However, my idea was eventually accepted and it has since forced other carriers to lower their fares.
Where there is competition, there is better service and such discounts are the result of a competitive business environment.
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This column greets Mike Villanueva, Mary Ann Salvacion, Martin Terre, Frank Carbon, Lecil Abaya, Joanne Yoshida, Elsie Gonzaga, JB Ongsingco, Raymund Quinto, Kate Brios, Dondon Luz, Neel Abordaje, Reuben Tampos, Richard Oquendo, Natz Novero, Ariston Minez, Jr., and Panyo Torre./WDJ